#Onboarding Ecosystems

[amansalve]

Hyperautomation is, in fact, not an addition but rather the rebirth of HRTech and thus, human resource management as we head towards 2025 and beyond. It helps enterprises break away from traditional paradigms to achieve higher efficiency, flexibility, and creativity levels.

[reasonsforhope]

"Seven federal agencies are partnering to implement President Biden’s American Climate Corps, announcing this week they would work together to recruit 20,000 young Americans and fulfill the administration's vision for the new program. 

The goals spelled out in the memorandum of understanding include comprehensively tackling climate change, creating partnerships throughout various levels of government and the private sector, building a diverse corps and serving all American communities.

The agencies—which included the departments of Commerce, Interior, Agriculture, Labor and Energy, as well the Environmental Protection Agency and AmeriCorps—also vowed to ensure a “range of compensation and benefits” that open the positions up to a wider array of individuals and to create pathways to “high-quality employment.”  

Leaders from each of the seven agencies will form an executive committee for the Climate Corps, which Biden established in September, that will coordinate efforts with an accompanying working group. They will create the standards for ACC programs, set compensation guidelines and minimum terms of service, develop recruitment strategies, launch a centralized website and establish performance goals and objectives. The ACC groups will, beginning in January, hold listening sessions with potential applicants, labor unions, state and local governments, educational institutions and other stakeholders. 

The working group will also review all federal statutes and hiring authorities to remove any barriers to onboarding for the corps and standardize the practices across all participating agencies. Benefits for corps members will include housing, transportation, health care, child care, educational credit, scholarships and student loan forgiveness, stipends and non-financial services.

As part of the goal of the ACC, agencies will develop the corps so they can transition to “high-quality, family-sustaining careers with mobility potential” in the federal or other sectors. AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith said the initiative would prepare young people for “good-paying union jobs.” 

Within three weeks of rolling out the ACC, EPA said more than 40,000 people—mostly in the 18-35 age range—expressed interest in joining the corps. The administration set an ambitious goal for getting the program underway, aiming to establish the corps’ first cohort in the summer of 2024. 

The corps members will work in roles related to ecosystem restoration and conservation, reforestation, waterway protection, recycling, energy conservation, clean energy deployment, disaster preparedness and recovery, fire resilience, resilient recreation infrastructure, research and outreach. The administration will look to ensure 40% of the climate-related investments flow to disadvantaged communities as part of its Justice40 initiative.  

EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the MOU would allow the ACC to “work across the federal family” to push public projects focused on environmental justice and clean energy. 

“The Climate Corps represents a significant step forward in engaging and nurturing young leaders who are passionate about climate action, furthering our journey towards a sustainable and equitable future,” Regan said. 

The ACC’s executive committee will hold its first meeting within the next 30 days. It will draw support from a new climate hub within AmeriCorps, as well as any staffing the agency heads designate."

-via Government Executive, December 20, 2023

-

This news comes with your regularly scheduled reminder that WE GOT THE AMERICAN CLIMATE CORPS ESTABLISHED LAST YEAR and basically no one know about/remembers it!!! Also if you want more info about the Climate Corps, inc. how to join, you can sign up to get updates here.

[animalsalvationassociation]

A.S.A. Octonauts Headcanons:

Pt. 8 — Professor Inkling:

Theodore Arthur Inkling was born and raised in the deep waters of the Atlantic ocean. Due to the nature of his species, he once had many thousands of brothers and sisters. Once.

Growing up he only knew a few of his family members, His sister Rosemary, his Grandfather, and his mother. There were others but they never stuck around too long to properly know one another.

Rosemary was his only friend and companion, when they hatched the pair set out together, neither of them wanting to be alone.

Theo only knew his grandfather because he lived near where Inkling and Rose hunted. Their mother was there when they hatched but it wasn’t very often they saw her.

Their grandfather was a very grumpy fellow who spent little time with anyone, but over some odd years he got used to seeing Theo and Rose, sometimes even inviting them over for the evenings. (Of course nighttime in the “Midnight Zone” worked a little differently to ours, but we won’t get into that. It was also very dangerous to be out late and he pitied them)

When Theo was still very young he fell into a heavy underwater current and was swept far away from home. When he came to, he found himself washed up in a tidepool unable to escape. Even if he were to get out he’d have to flee across the shore without getting snatched up by birds or a hungry predator, then there was the matter of which direction he was meant to go.

Understandably, he was quite upset. Seeing no way out Theo just waited (albeit very teary eyed, seeing as he was still pretty young).

The universe must’ve heard him because a little while later there was a curious young girl who showed up and offered to help him. He was startled of course, thinking she would eat him but she quickly assured him that wasn’t true at all.

Her name was Samara, a young Burmese Python that would later become one of his closest friends.

(Although he first introduced himself as Theodore he asked her to call him Arthur. He liked the name a lot better and that’s what his sister would call him. Samara did the same, asking him to refer to her as Sam.)

Sam was very kind and borrowed her father’s book of maps to show him the way to the deep ocean. They said goodbye, with a small parting gift from Sam (a small bracelet made of shells and beads)

Arthur followed her directions, swimming far from the English Channel (where he washed up) to the open ocean. But his journey was far from over.

He was nearly scott-free when suddenly he was swept up in a massive net! A fishing boat had accidentally swept him up alongside their catch of cod. He was lucky to be as small as he was and after some odd minutes of struggling he managed to slide between the mesh just as the net was being heaved onboard.

The next day Sam found him in that same tidepool, in the very same state she had met him in. He told her what he had seen, and Samara was forced to explain her world to him.

Back then, the surface was much different to how it is now. Boats overfished, the shores were crowded with garbage, and factories filled the water with toxic chemicals, poisoning not only the ecosystems but the people as well.

For years the price of housing had gotten higher with wages staggering, people had been forced to the streets, some even traveling to the countryside where the air was at least a little cleaner.

Arthur was horrified and even Sam agreed that it was no way to live. Even children could see how sad the world had become.

That’s what started it all. A single spark of fear and Inkling knew that he couldn’t just leave. He missed his sister and grandfather of course but this was bigger than them. This was bigger than the whole ocean! This was the world they were talking about!

He wanted to fix this, not just for the fish but for the surface dwellers as well. Everyone deserved clean air and water, a place to sleep at night, food to eat. Why should they have to settle?

It began with a pact between two friends. They would start small. Arthur and Sam were still kids, no one would listen to them unless they showed everyone how much they cared.

So they made arrangements. In order to help they had to learn. Sam would go off to school and they would meet a few times each month to study together. Arthur couldn’t go to school so it was Sam’s job to make sure they learned alongside one another.

She brought home books, tests, and pictures. Anything that got him to see what they could really accomplish.

In their time together they scoured beaches and shorelines, with every visit the pair of them did whatever they could to keep their home clean.

When they grew older their traditions continued, they had to. Sam’s father even joined in sometimes, escorting them to places they usually couldn’t go.

(Sometimes Sam would even put Inkling in a tank on a little wagon and run around the shops with him trailing behind. It was the best years of their life.)

Finally school was over and Inkling had not only excelled in Sam’s studies but had found new ways to find information. (He would even go on to teach both his sister and grandfather everything he knew)

But even with school ending, Inkling didn’t want to stop. He wanted to have a full education experience.

Sam loved her friend dearly and knew if their plan was going to work, she had to put her life and education on the line. With Inkling’s encouragement Samara applied to several different schools and once she was accepted and invited to tour the grounds she took Inkling with her.

It was difficult for sure. She applied to dozens of schools, but no one could understand the lengths Sam and Arthur would go to to even get him into a classroom. That was until they met Professor Lwazi Ntuli.

Headmaster at the time, Ntuli was a large creature with a massive heart, and he saw Arthur for what he was, a person. Luckily for Arthur, Ntuli was not only the headmaster of a renowned school, but an inventor too, and he had been working on something that would change the world.

Ntuli saw their potential and was able to give both of them a full ride scholarship. In return both of them would help him reach out to students all across the globe.

Ntuli began to finetune the creation of his specialized suits (thanks to Arthur) for creatures who otherwise wouldn’t be able to breathe/function in places that weren’t their natural territory. And to test them they were given out to those who earned scholarships from out of the way places such as the Arctic, Antarctic, the seas/ocean, etc.

In their college years Arthur and Sam found people who were just like them. Students who needed a community, a village. That’s how they met many of their life long friends.

Arthur found Peggy Scratch, a young woman who had basically given up on everything. If it wasn’t for Arthur she wouldn’t have found her safety net.

Marin Kelp was another person they accepted, closely followed by a young Julias Copper. Marin had a hearty laugh and a strong resolve, he cared about people in ways others struggled to. Always the wing-man, and a bit of a lug-nut when he wanted to be.

Julias himself was a quiet fellow, keeping to himself most of the time. A gruff exterior but was always ready to throw out a well meaning joke to combat others.

All five of them graduated together, and in turn that allowed Sam/Arthur’s plan to evolve. Since it was no longer just the two of them they needed to expand. That’s when Marin had the brilliant idea to create something that helped people all across the world. Ntuli did it with his suits, even cities like Zootopia (a largely populated city, famous for its integration of new technology and efforts towards renewable energy) had begun to change how their city was structured, allowing all kinds of creatures to live there.

They called it the Animal Salvation Association. And after all those years, Sam and Arthur were finally able to fulfill their promise to one another.

Family:

Despite how grouse he was, his grandfather (Ballard) was a good man and a great neighbor. He was the kind of guy that would make an off handed comment about the shingles on your roof or your gutter right before work, and when you’d come home you’d find him fixing whatever was wrong.

With every year that passed Ballard found acceptance with his grandchildren. The three of them worked hard to survive, helping one another whenever they could.

Ballard learned how to read and write (from Arthur of course) a lot quicker than Rosemary ever did. He would go on to publish several books before his passing.

It wasn’t until Arthur was much older that he learned about his Great-Grandfather Averill who was the first ocean/sea creature to write a book. He wasn’t able to learn much except what Ballard had shown him by giving Arthur Averill’s journal.

It turns out Averill had met a lighthouse keeper many years into his young adult life and became good friends with. That friend would go on to teach Averill how to read and write, how to calculate math equations, and even learn to document the world below the water’s surface.

Rosemary on the other hand lived quieter than her brother ever did. She kept to herself but had such a kind heart. She was the only one who could combat her grandfather’s grouchy comments.

She lived well into her adult life, even having several of her own children, including her son Squirt who Arthur was always very fond of. Unfortunately one summer Rose vanished without a trace. Not even Ballard, who had shared his home with her, knew where she had gone.

They searched everywhere for her but to no avail.

Squirt himself lives on the reef where his great grandfather once did. He’s still rather young but he’s learned how to take care of himself well enough. Although that never really stopped Arthur from worrying.

The Inkling family has many other relatives that we see within the show, most of them are distant cousins like Irving. But no matter how far they are on the tree, they’ll always be his family.

Fun Facts:

FaV cOlOr isssssss Cyan?? Teal?? Whatever color his chair is.

He’s sooooooooooo got a crush on Min!

He met Min when the A.S.A. was first being established. He really has a knack for getting stuck in places. (I was never able to watch this episode but apparently he quote, “ Got stuck clinging to bamboo after a storm and Min saved him by carrying him down.”

So . . . Strong wife.

*Starts Chanting* InKy! iNkY! InKy!

Inkling's hobbies include: Reading the newspaper, eating muffins, drinking coffee/high tea, doing research on the Octo-net, blowing bubbles out a pipe, reading in the library, eating sandwiches, dusting his books' dust jackets, baking pies, climbing the playground's jungle gym, studying his travel guide and maps, leading games of Oceans & Ogres (the in-universe Dungeons & Dragons/DnD), reading to the Vegimals, and listening to music on his record player (or “Fish Sounds”). Majority are exclusive to the books. [ Source: Octo-Wiki ]

Inkling’s fav kelp cake is Sauerkraut??? (Also from the wiki . . . dude why)

Fav gup . . . the Octopod . . . No comment

Well actually yes. Comment. And subscribe!

Squirt is 100% on the Junior Octo-Agents and I feel horrible for not adding him to the line up, he LITERALLY in ONE episode! I’M SOWWYYYYY!!!! I’LL NEVER DO IT AGAIN I SWEARRRRR!!!!!

Who could forget Mortimer the Mimic Octopus??? Apparently I can . . .

Harry the Harbor Seal is also on my list of “oopsie i forgor”

(Idk if it was Harry who was friends/allies with Inkling or Barnacles?? But he seems more of an Inkling friend than a Barnacles one. Although who am I to say? Barnacles can be friends with whoever he wants)

Inkling is the Co-Founder of the Octonauts ~ Who’s the other founder?? Samara ofc duhhh

(Actually no that was rude, ya’ll probably didn’t pick up on the hints I left in my other posts. My bad.)

Mustache.

Monocle.

Grimoteuthis.

Fish Biscuits.

That’s all I have.

(I apologize to my friend @calamaroo for keeping her waiting on this post. I am a terribly slow over-writer, I am so sorry.)

The Inklings:

Averill (Great-Grandfather), Ballard (Grandfather), (Mother’s name unknown), Theodore Arthur, Rosemary (Sister), Squirt (Nephew), Cousin Irving, Literally every Octopus/Squid in the entire ocean.

Other Headcanons . . .

Captain Barnacles ( 1 / 2 ) / Kwazii / Peso / Dashi / Tweak / Shellington / The Vegimals

[ This is a Octonauts AU, in no way is this canon to the OG storyline. ]

[illuminatedquill]

Ghost Stories 06

Feat. Ursa Wren + The Ghost crew

Story Summary: The Ghost lands on Krownest for a brief resupply and also to visit Sabine, who chose to remain with her family to help marshal the Mandalorian forces against Imperial rule on Mandalore. Ursa Wren, Sabine's mother, comes onboard the Ghost to formally introduce herself to her daughter's friends.

The bitter chill of Krownest's morning air greeted Ursa Wren as she stepped outside the fortress walls of her home. Even with a heating unit installed into her custom-made beskar armor, the cold still found a way to seep through. Despite having spent a lifetime living on the frigid planet that her ancestral clan called home, she never could get used to the freezing temperatures.

In the legends of Clan Wren, the world had once been a beautiful, thriving green planet, filled with lush forests and bountiful lakes. But then a great battle had taken place, between her ancestor, Princess Lenora, and a great witch that had come to steal something precious from her. The fight had scarred the planet's ecosystem, somehow plunging Krownest into an endless winter.

Krownest's unhospitable climate made it good for a few things, she admitted. It made Clan Wren a particularly formidable force, even among the fabled Mandalorian warrior caste. Surviving out here, in the frozen tundra was a rite of passage for any warrior on Krownest: you had to be resourceful, quick to adapt, and possess sheer force of will to battle against the elements.

There was also the added benefit of making any potential ground invasion a suicidal venture. Whoever was foolish enough to attempt found themselves wishing for the swift death by a Wren, instead of the slow freezing hell they would find themselves resigned to from the planet's unforgiving nature. Flying was also hazardous, since the erratic changes in weather could freeze fuel lines in vulnerable space craft or decrease visibility so drastically that all a pilot could see was a wall of white ice and sleet before slamming into a mountain side.

Finally, because of the constant blizzards and storms, it rendered most scanners commonly in use by the galaxy useless - which meant that Krownest was an excellent place to hide contraband, ranging from different types of medicines to various weapons of war, from prying eyes.

It was for this last reason that they had received visitors on this day. Sipping at a mug of freshly brewed caf, with a splash of honey added, Ursa stared at the old freighter docked in their landing bay below.

The Ghost. Its crew made of an eclectic team of rebels, comprised of a Twi'lek, two Jedi, a Lasat, a homicidal astromech unit and, formerly, her daughter, Sabine.

Her mouth twitched. These were the people who had housed her daughter - her heir - for the past several years. She had spent time with the two Jedi and, from what she could tell, they had earned her daughter's trust and loyalty.

Enough to defy me and the Empire, she thought with no small amount of bitterness.

She knew how suspicious Sabine could be towards people, which said volumes about how deeply she cared for the people on that ship if she would defend them against her own flesh and blood.

But, then again, she was the reason why Sabine was so slow to trust others in the first place.

Tristan, her youngest, appeared by her side. "Good morning, Mother," he murmured.

Ursa nodded at him. "Same to you. I take it Sabine is already onboard with her friends?" she asked.

The ghost of a smile played on his lips. "Never seen her move so fast. They hadn't even landed yet when she bolted from the war room."

Ursa felt her mouth twitch again. Is this jealousy? she wondered.

Tristan glanced at her. "Do you wish to meet them?"

Ursa sipped again at her caf, contemplating. "I'm not sure if that's wise. Sabine would most likely disapprove."

Her son turned to her fully, his expression intensely curious.

Ursa eyed him, feeling unnerved by his stare. "What?" she demanded.

"You're scared," he observed. "That's a first."

She almost spat out her caf. "Scared? Of what?"

Tristan pointed at the freighter. "Scared of them. Sabine's friends. You're afraid that they're really better than us."

She glared at him. "That is nonsense. Strike the thought from your mind, young man. We are Sabine's true family."

He shook his head sadly. "It's not like that, Mother. Not for Sabine. It's not 'us versus them' to her."

Ursa arched an imperious eyebrow at her son. "Oh? And what is the truth of it, then?"

Tristan gave her a pointed look. "You'd know that if you actually talked to her."

She glowered at him. "I am losing my patience," she growled.

He held up his hands in a placating gesture. "We're all family to Sabine," he said quietly. "All of us - and them, too. She wouldn't replace us anymore than she would with them."

Ursa fell quiet, his words twisting their way through her gut.

"There was no trade, Mother. Her family just got bigger, that's all," he pointed out.

She studied her youngest for a long moment - and then smiled. Reaching out with a hand, she fondly ruffled his hair. "When did you grow up to be so wise, my beautiful boy?" she asked.

He grinned at her in a disarmingly boyish manner, breaking through the normally serious outlook that was the default expression for Tristan. "Are you going to meet them?" he asked.

Ursa sighed. "I suppose so," she said reluctantly. "If anything, just to be a good host."

"You'll turn on that famous Clan Wren charm, I hope," he teased.

She swatted a hand at him in annoyance.

The hatch was closed when she arrived a few minutes later. Steeling herself to whatever encounters she was about to experience inside the ship, she knocked loudly on the steel frame.

For a few tense seconds, nothing mattered. Then a speaker blared with an unfamiliar voice: "Who's there?"

Ursa replied, "This is Ursa Wren, Sabine's mother. I wish to come inside, if that's alright."

Another pause. Then: "Uh, hang on just a second. I'll open the hatch."

She stepped back a few paces. The hatch opened with a pneumatic wheeze, lowering into a ramp for her to step into the freighter. Standing in the entrance was a large Lasat, dressed in a modified combat suit for his stature, staring at her with a curious expression.

Fo a few moments they just exchanged a look; two warriors, both from dying cultures, sizing each other up.

Ursa broke the silence first. "A pleasure to meet you, Garazeb Orrelios."

The Lasat blinked at her and then did something surprising - he bowed, if somewhat clumsily. It was a formal gesture of respect; one he clearly hadn't done in quite some time, she observed.

"I extend the same greeting to you, Lady Wren," Orrelios replied.

She studied him some more. "Sabine told me you were once a captain for your people's Royal Guard."

"That is correct, Countess," confirmed Orrelios. "I am familiar with royalty."

Ursa smiled. "I am not royalty. My title is simply an inheritance. I am no Queen."

"But you bear yourself with as much regality and grace as any royal subject," Orrelios observed. "And you have done much to earn the title several times over, despite the title being inherited."

She blinked. "Did Sabine talk about me?"

The Lasat shook his head. "No. But I see it in the way she conducts herself. Your daughter wears her surname with pride and steel, just like her mother."

She was touched. The Lasat had a rough appearance, but he spoke with no small amount of heart and authenticity. It wasn't hard to see why Sabine regarded him so highly.

Ursa bowed to him in return. "May I come aboard, Captain?"

"You may," he replied. "And please - call me Zeb."

Zeb, as Ursa now called him, gave her a brief tour of the freighter. She was surprised at how roomy it was, despite the sheer number of supplies crammed inside. The Lasat rarely had to duck down to enter a hallway or room, and walked with the ease of someone who was comfortable with their accommodations. Ursa rarely travelled on ships, preferring the commonly used Fang fighters that were synonymous with Mandalorian culture as a vehicle of transport.

When she first saw the ship at a distance some time ago, her first reaction was to be appalled that her daughter called such a place home for some time. Now, looking around at all the different customizations and obvious care taken into the ship's interior, she began to realize that Sabine might have felt more at home here than back at the fortress of Clan Wren.

How many hallways had she walked down only to spot a doodle on a wall? Sabine's artwork popped up everywhere she looked. On Krownest, her daughter had kept her art kept within the pages of a sketchbook only.

These friends, Ursa began to realize, have not only physically returned my daughter to me. They have also brought her back to herself.

Finally, they came to the communal room. Stepping inside, she saw two figures sitting at a table: one was the familiar face of Kanan Jarrus, one of the Jedi that had accompanied Sabine when she first returned home. The other was a green-skinned Twi'lek woman, similar in age to Jarrus, wearing an orange flight uniform that had seen its fair share of usage.

Jarrus had his arm draped around the Twi'lek's shoulders, his head reclined as though dozing. The Twi'lek - Hera Syndulla, Ursa now recalled - was concentrating on a data-pad, reading intently what was on the screen.

As they entered the room, the Jedi sat up - his partially masked face turned in their direction. "Zeb," he said cautiously. "You've brought a guest."

Hera looked up. Ursa was taken aback at how blue those eyes of hers were - it felt like they were piercing right through her.

"Hello," replied Ursa. "We've met before, Master Jedi."

Jarrus nodded respectfully towards her. "I remember, Countess. This is the captain of our modest little crew - Hera Syndulla."

She extended her hand, which Syndulla grasped firmly. Ursa felt her respect towards the Twi'lek rise several more notches at the strength in her grip. There's steel in her, she remarked.

"Pleasure to meet you at last," Syndulla said politely. "I see where Sabine gets . . . well, everything."

Ursa snorted. "Is that a good or bad thing?"

The Twi'lek's face split into a warm smile. "A little bit of both. Are you here for her? I can call her up, if you like."

She paused for a moment, thinking about what she should say.

Finally, she simply said, "I just wanted to say thank you. For Sabine."

From the corner of her eye, she saw Jarrus smile a little. Syndulla looked surprised and asked, "For Sabine? Why?"

"Everyone here on this ship . . . you restored her to herself. I thought I had lost my daughter forever," Ursa replied, fighting to keep the quiver from her voice. "Not just in a physical sense, but in who she was before everything went wrong."

Syndulla shared a look with Jarrus. Next to her, Zeb scratched idly at his head. Ursa heard a loud sniff from his direction.

"Sabine has inherited much from you, Ursa," Jarrus said firmly. "We may have helped Sabine find her way back to you, but it's only because she had the strength to persevere through whatever challenges the galaxy threw at her. And that incredible strength comes from you."

"And there were quite a lot of challenges," Zeb agreed. "Feels like it was practically every week, in fact."

"Families are complicated," Syndulla added. "Believe me. I know."

Ursa said wryly, "Our family is certainly no exception to that. I just wanted you to know how grateful I am to you all for giving Sabine a home. A place where she can be herself."

"You all talk with her so easily," she said. "I wish I knew how to do that."

Jarrus shared a look with Syndulla, a faint smile playing on both their faces. "Well," Jarrus said, "it helps if you talk to her."

Ursa frowned. "I do talk with her," she replied.

"Not the way Sabine tells it," Zeb pointed out. "You talk at her. That's different."

She thought about it. "Oh," was all she said.

Syndulla interjected, "Although, with Sabine, it is difficult to hold a conversation with her at times. Especially when she's upset."

"That happens a lot when we talk," Ursa replied dryly.

Jarrus chuckled. "We've had our fair share of that, too."

"How do you get her to speak openly then?"

"How do we get her to lower her guard, you mean?" asked Syndulla.

Ursa nodded.

Syndulla smiled. "Lower your own, first."

Ursa paused outside the door of her daughter's room; inside she could hear a pair of voices, loud enough to be heard through the metal.

One of them was certainly Sabine - and the other one was . . .

She leaned in close, straining to listen.

" . . . long have you had these bandaged like this, goober?" That was Sabine.

"Uh. A few days, I think." This voice belonged to Ezra Bridger - the young Jedi who was close to her daughter.

"You're supposed to change out the bandages," said her daughter, sounding annoyed. Annoyed . . . and worried.

Ursa narrowed her eyes, thinking.

"Oh. Right," came the hesitant reply. "Anyway, how are things with your family?"

"They're fine, Ezra," said Sabine impatiently. "And don't change the subject. How did you get hurt? Those Jedi senses of yours getting rusty?"

"Stormtrooper snuck up behind me during a firefight. I'm . . . I'm still getting used to you not being there to have my back anymore," Bridger replied quietly.

"Oh," was all her daughter said.

There was an uncomfortable pause. "I didn't mean it like that, Sabine," Bridger said hastily. "I meant - "

"I know what you meant," replied her daughter quietly. "It's okay."

Ursa, entranced by what she was hearing from her daughter's voice, leaned in closer to better hear the conversation -

The door slid open.

She almost fell straight onto her face, catching her balance at the last second.

Ursa looked up to see the two of them look horror-struck at her sudden presence, sitting close together on the bottom bunk of a two-bed configuration. Sabine, staring at her with wide eyes, exclaimed, "Mother!"

Bridger, on the other hand, abruptly stood up, banging his head on the top bed's underside. He yelped with pain, clutching at the top of his head.

It was then that Ursa immediately noticed that the young man was shirtless. A medical bandage, presumably applied recently by her daughter, was visible on his upper arm.

A-ha, she thought.

Straightening up quickly, Ursa said, "Hello, Sabine."

"W - what are you doing here?" Sabine sputtered. Her eyes were flitting nervously between her and Bridger.

"Just came to formally introduce myself to your friends," Ursa replied.

Bridger, to his credit, recovered with haste. Standing ramrod straight, a lump on his head, he stuck out his hand. "Hello, Mrs. Wren!" he said in a squeaky voice. "It's a privilege to meet you again."

Ursa stared at the young man, raising an inquisitive eyebrow. "Why are you shirtless in my daughter's room?"

She glanced at Sabine. "This is your room, correct? That is what the others told me."

Bridger took a small side-step to position himself between Ursa and her daughter. Despite the situation, a smile threatened to crack through her stern facade. The boy was brave, she had to give him that.

"It is, Mrs. Wren - "

"Countess Wren," she corrected.

"Countess Wren," continued Bridger, his face coloring to an alarming shade of red. "Yes, this is Sabine's room. I was just - uh - we were just - you have to understand, I'm not usually shirtless when I'm alone with Sabine in her - her room."

It was like watching a train wreck. Bridger stumbled through the final words of his statement, his eyes widening with embarrassment as he realized in real time how what was spilling out of his mouth did not help clarify the situation at all.

Amused, Ursa let the silence hang thickly after his words. "Why are you not shirtless in your own room, then?" she asked, her voice whisper soft.

The young Jedi turned to look at Sabine, who had buried her face into her hands. He would not find help there, it was clear.

With a loud gulp, he looked back at Ursa. "This isn't what it, uh, looks like," he said lamely. "I mean, your daughter and I - we're just friends."

"Indeed," observed Ursa. She glanced at Sabine, who still was hiding her face. "Friends who seem comfortable enough to be semi-naked with one another."

"Yes," said Bridger, not picking up on the sarcasm. He looked relieved. "And this isn't even the worst Sabine has seen because one time I fell into a thorn bush and it was all over my legs, so she's seen way more - "

Sabine's face finally snapped up. "Ezra! Please, stop making it worse for yourself and just get out."

The young man froze at her daughter's voice, blinked several times in quick succession, and then quickly acquiesced to her command. Grabbing his shirt, he scampered out.

Leaving Ursa alone with her daughter. Sabine let out an exasperated sigh and laid back onto the bed.

Ursa took in the sight of her daughter's bedroom, drinking in the colorful art displayed all over the walls. "He's certainly a handful," she commented, finally allowing a smile.

Sabine snorted. "I take it that he won't be strangled then?" she asked.

"Not today, no. I was listening outside. I know you were tending to his wounds."

Her daughter peered up at her. "You're not upset? Really?"

Ursa shrugged and sat down next to her. "He's your friend. You care about him. And I'm grateful to him for bringing you back to me."

Sabine sat up and looked at her thoughtfully. "So am I," she said.

"Do you miss him?" Ursa asked suddenly.

Sabine looked away. "Yeah," she admitted. "I miss him. I miss everybody on the Ghost."

Ursa studied her. "You could go back to them," she said quietly. "If you wanted to."

Her daughter's face snapped back to hers, eyes wide. She could see the gears turning behind those eyes, considering. Ursa saw a conflicting array of emotions warring for control in Sabine's expression.

Finally, Sabine shook her head. "Someday, I'll go back," she answered. "But my place is with you. I've been running away for too long."

Ursa reached out and enveloped her daughter into a hug. Sabine froze and then melted into her embrace. They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity.

"I should have said this before," whispered Ursa, "but thank you for coming back, cyare. Despite all that has happened between us."

Sabine squeezed her tightly. "We are family, Mother. I will always come when you call."

Ursa smiled and then released Sabine from her grasp to look at her.

My how she's grown into a beautiful young woman, she thought. How much have I missed with my stubborn pride.

Blinking away the tears, Ursa sought to change the subject. "So, you and Bridger. You're really just friends?"

Sabine's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, but her expression remained neutral. "Yeah. Been that way for a while now."

"I noticed the wound was located on the upper part of his arm."

Her daughter frowned. " Yes. Why?"

Ursa gave Sabine a sly look. "Doesn't seem necessary to remove his whole shirt for that, I would think."

Now her daughter's cheeks were definitely a rosier shade of pink. She cast her eyes down and shrugged. "I was just, uh, being thorough. Ezra's clumsy with medical stuff. I wanted to ensure he didn't miss any other wounds."

"Uh-huh," said Ursa. "Sure."

Sabine looked at her, expression defiant. "What?" she demanded.

Ursa just grinned and ruffled her daughter's hair fondly.

[usafphantom2]

B-2 Gets Big Upgrade with New Open Mission Systems Capability

July 18, 2024 | By John A. Tirpak

The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber has been upgraded with a new open missions systems (OMS) software capability and other improvements to keep it relevant and credible until it’s succeeded by the B-21 Raider, Northrop Grumman announced. The changes accelerate the rate at which new weapons can be added to the B-2; allow it to accept constant software updates, and adapt it to changing conditions.

“The B-2 program recently achieved a major milestone by providing the bomber with its first fieldable, agile integrated functional capability called Spirit Realm 1 (SR 1),” the company said in a release. It announced the upgrade going operational on July 17, the 35th anniversary of the B-2’s first flight.

SR 1 was developed inside the Spirit Realm software factory codeveloped by the Air Force and Northrop to facilitate software improvements for the B-2. “Open mission systems” means that the aircraft has a non-proprietary software architecture that simplifies software refresh and enhances interoperability with other systems.

“SR 1 provides mission-critical capability upgrades to the communications and weapons systems via an open mission systems architecture, directly enhancing combat capability and allowing the fleet to initiate a new phase of agile software releases,” Northrop said in its release.

The system is intended to deliver problem-free software on the first go—but should they arise, correct software issues much earlier in the process.

The SR 1 was “fully developed inside the B-2 Spirit Realm software factory that was established through a partnership with Air Force Global Strike Command and the B-2 Systems Program Office,” Northrop said.

The Spirit Realm software factory came into being less than two years ago, with four goals: to reduce flight test risk and testing time through high-fidelity ground testing; to capture more data test points through targeted upgrades; to improve the B-2’s functional capabilities through more frequent, automated testing; and to facilitate more capability upgrades to the jet.

The Air Force said B-2 software updates which used to take two years can now be implemented in less than three months.

In addition to B61 or B83 nuclear weapons, the B-2 can carry a large number of precision-guided conventional munitions. However, the Air Force is preparing to introduce a slate of new weapons that will require near-constant target updates and the ability to integrate with USAF’s evolving long-range kill chain. A quicker process for integrating these new weapons with the B-2’s onboard communications, navigation, and sensor systems was needed.

The upgrade also includes improved displays, flight hardware and other enhancements to the B-2’s survivability, Northrop said.

“We are rapidly fielding capabilities with zero software defects through the software factory development ecosystem and further enhancing the B-2 fleet’s mission effectiveness,” said Jerry McBrearty, Northrop’s acting B-2 program manager.

The upgrade makes the B-2 the first legacy nuclear weapons platform “to utilize the Department of Defense’s DevSecOps [development, security, and operations] processes and digital toolsets,” it added.

The software factory approach accelerates adding new and future weapons to the stealth bomber, and thus improve deterrence, said Air Force Col. Frank Marino, senior materiel leader for the B-2.

The B-2 was not designed using digital methods—the way its younger stablemate, the B-21 Raider was—but the SR 1 leverages digital technology “to design, manage, build and test B-2 software more efficiently than ever before,” the company said.

The digital tools can also link with those developed for other legacy systems to accomplish “more rapid testing and fielding and help identify and fix potential risks earlier in the software development process.”

Following two crashes in recent years, the stealthy B-2 fleet comprises 19 aircraft, which are the only penetrating aircraft in the Air Force’s bomber fleet until the first B-21s are declared to have achieved initial operational capability at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. A timeline for IOC has not been disclosed.

The B-2 is a stealthy, long-range, penetrating nuclear and conventional strike bomber. It is based on a flying wing design combining LO with high aerodynamic efficiency. The aircraft’s blended fuselage/wing holds two weapons bays capable of carrying nearly 60,000 lb in various combinations.

Spirit entered combat during Allied Force on March 24, 1999, striking Serbian targets. Production was completed in three blocks, and all aircraft were upgraded to Block 30 standard with AESA radar. Production was limited to 21 aircraft due to cost, and a single B-2 was subsequently lost in a crash at Andersen, Feb. 23, 2008.

Modernization is focused on safeguarding the B-2A’s penetrating strike capability in high-end threat environments and integrating advanced weapons.

The B-2 achieved a major milestone in 2022 with the integration of a Radar Aided Targeting System (RATS), enabling delivery of the modernized B61-12 precision-guided thermonuclear freefall weapon. RATS uses the aircraft’s radar to guide the weapon in GPS-denied conditions, while additional Flex Strike upgrades feed GPS data to weapons prerelease to thwart jamming. A B-2A successfully dropped an inert B61-12 using RATS on June 14, 2022, and successfully employed the longer-range JASSM-ER cruise missile in a test launch last December.

Ongoing upgrades include replacing the primary cockpit displays, the Adaptable Communications Suite (ACS) to provide Link 16-based jam-resistant in-flight retasking, advanced IFF, crash-survivable data recorders, and weapons integration. USAF is also working to enhance the fleet’s maintainability with LO signature improvements to coatings, materials, and radar-absorptive structures such as the radome and engine inlets/exhausts.

Two B-2s were damaged in separate landing accidents at Whiteman on Sept. 14, 2021, and Dec. 10, 2022, the latter prompting an indefinite fleetwide stand-down until May 18, 2023. USAF plans to retire the fleet once the B-21 Raider enters service in sufficient numbers around 2032.

Contractors: Northrop Grumman; Boeing; Vought.

First Flight: July 17, 1989.

Delivered: December 1993-December 1997.

IOC: April 1997, Whiteman AFB, Mo.

Production: 21.

Inventory: 20.

Operator: AFGSC, AFMC, ANG (associate).

Aircraft Location: Edwards AFB, Calif.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.

Active Variant: •B-2A. Production aircraft upgraded to Block 30 standards.

Dimensions: Span 172 ft, length 69 ft, height 17 ft.

Weight: Max T-O 336,500 lb.

Power Plant: Four GE Aviation F118-GE-100 turbofans, each 17,300 lb thrust.

Performance: Speed high subsonic, range 6,900 miles (further with air refueling).

Ceiling: 50,000 ft.

Armament: Nuclear: 16 B61-7, B61-12, B83, or eight B61-11 bombs (on rotary launchers). Conventional: 80 Mk 62 (500-lb) sea mines, 80 Mk 82 (500-lb) bombs, 80 GBU-38 JDAMs, or 34 CBU-87/89 munitions (on rack assemblies); or 16 GBU-31 JDAMs, 16 Mk 84 (2,000-lb) bombs, 16 AGM-154 JSOWs, 16 AGM-158 JASSMs, or eight GBU-28 LGBs.

Accommodation: Two pilots on ACES II zero/zero ejection seats.

[janederscore]

listen. listen. i respect linux quite a lot, i am currently in the process of transitioning my computers over to it (albeit glacially. old habits etc), and i think its admirable how eager the foss community generally is to onboard people into their software ecosystem. However . if i have to read the sentence "gimp is a good replacement for photoshop" one more time i'm going to start hunting that stupid penguin for sport

[todays-problematic-ship]

They're doing something about this problematic ship

https://gcaptain.com/smit-team-set-to-begin-oil-transfer-from-decaying-fso-safer/

Today's Problematic Ship that has been Listening and Learning is the FSO Safer

The FSO Safer, which we have previously written about, is a very large crude carrier converted to floating oil storage. It was moored off the coast of Yemen and held more than one million barrels of crude oil when the war in Yemen broke out.

Already old (built in 1976) and in poor condition, the FSO Safer could not be properly maintained or offloaded due to the war. Particularly worrying was the ship's inert gas system, which displaces air in its oil tanks with inert gas. This prevents built-up oil vapours from exploding, e.g., because of electrical sparks. An onboard explosion or simply the rusting into pieces of the FSO Safer could have spilled one million barrels of crude oil into the Red Sea. An oil spill would threaten not only local ecosystems, but fishing water, desalination plants, and ports supporting millions of people with food and fuel imports. (Throughout the war, Yemen has already been one of the world's most food insecure countries.)

As of August 2023 the FSO Safer has been emptied, with its oil transferred to a replacement vessel, the Yemen, in a UN-led operation. The FSO Safer will be scrapped. The Yemen will be moored in place, effectively taking the FSO Safer's place. The reason for this is the disputed ownership of the oil by the warring parties, meaning the oil cannot be sold directly. The UN has offered to mediate negotiations to arrange a sale.

[cyle]

what’s some feedback staff has received and implemented? how’s the process there work?

some big ones i can think of:

we brought back replies (lol)

we fixed the video player (lol)

we built 1:1 direct messaging

we built group chat (lol)

we made it easier to share tumblr posts outside of tumblr

we built Blaze so people can advertise their posts on tumblr

we built Post+ and Tipping so people can monetize their blogs

we rebuilt new user onboarding to emphasize following tags and blogs

we built ad-free and other things you can buy to support tumblr

we brought down load times of the apps from 3 seconds or more down to below a second

we had built a lot of little experimental features in Tumblr Labs, and we're building more in the new Tumblr Labs team

we fix bugs every day, big and small

the process depends on what kind of feedback you're talking about:

a bunch of us on staff are using tumblr all day every day so we naturally see feedback circulating around the community. this is a lot less actionable than you'd think, which is why we encourage people to send in actual feedback via our Support form.

our support folks are reading every support request that comes in

those requests generally make it to one of two places: either it's a bug/glitch and gets filed as a bug report (or added to one if there already was one) or gets added to feedback about a feature for further consideration

we hold weekly bug triage meetings to prioritize those bugs in a big queue for engineers to work on, or send them directly to teams to address

if it's feedback about a specific feature, like one that just launched or changed, the feedback gets funneled to the people working on it for consideration

and this probably isn't the kind of "feedback" you meant, but we also keep an eye on hundreds of pieces of data moving daily/weekly/quarterly/yearly to spot trends in behavior and action on the platform across the millions of people using tumblr. we run A/B tests and experiments as a means of gathering quantitative feedback.

and there's a lot more that contributes as "feedback" that informs what we work on. market data, trends in the social media ecosystem, product development practices, hack days/weeks internally, how our public API is used... there's a lot of feedback in the system, way more than any one person can handle.

[kikothecategld]

KikoTheCat: The Upcoming Memecoin Revolution on MultiversX

In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, there’s always room for innovation, fun, and community. From the rise of Dogecoin as the pioneer of memecoins to the global explosion of Shiba Inu, it’s clear that people love projects that bring personality and passion to the blockchain. But there’s one glaring omission in the current memecoin landscape: a cat-themed coin that truly represents the internet’s favorite animal.

That’s where KikoTheCat comes in. As the first significant cat-themed memecoin on MultiversX, KikoTheCat aims to fill this gap and capture the hearts of crypto enthusiasts and cat lovers alike.

Who Are We?

We’re a team of three dedicated crypto enthusiasts who have been active participants in the MultiversX ecosystem for over three years. Our journey within this space has been transformative, as we’ve witnessed the unmatched potential of MultiversX as a blockchain.

After years of experience and a deep understanding of the crypto space, we decided to take the leap and create something fun, innovative, and impactful. Following long discussions and brainstorming sessions, we realized there was one glaring opportunity waiting to be seized: a cat-themed memecoin.

The result? KikoTheCat, a coin designed to bring joy to the community, harness the power of memes, and provide a meaningful use case for one of the most scalable blockchains in the world.

Why a Cat-Themed Meme Coin?

Memecoins are more than just tokens; they are movements powered by communities. And when you think of the internet, cats are everywhere — from viral videos to beloved memes. Cats have dominated social media for years, but they’ve been underrepresented in the crypto world.

That’s not fair to the millions of cat lovers out there. Dogs have had their moment in the spotlight, but now it’s time for the internet’s true rulers to step up: the cats. KikoTheCat is here to give cats the recognition they deserve in the memecoin world.

Why MultiversX?

When building KikoTheCat, the choice of blockchain was crucial. We wanted a platform that was secure, scalable, and future-proof. That’s why we chose MultiversX (formerly Elrond) as the home for our project. Here are the reasons why MultiversX is the perfect fit:

1. Unparalleled Scalability

MultiversX’s Adaptive State Sharding Technology can handle up to 15,000 transactions per second. This makes it one of the fastest and most efficient blockchains in the world, ensuring smooth and low-cost transactions for KikoTheCat holders.

2. Top-Tier Security

MultiversX is built on a highly secure infrastructure, making it a trusted choice for projects that prioritize safety and reliability. KikoTheCat’s community can rest assured knowing their investments are protected.

3. Eco-Friendly Blockchain

As concerns about crypto’s energy consumption grow, MultiversX has positioned itself as an energy-efficient blockchain. This aligns with our vision of sustainability and responsibility.

4. Vibrant Ecosystem

The MultiversX ecosystem is thriving, with innovative projects and a strong developer community. With tools like the xPortal wallet (formerly Maiar), it’s easier than ever to onboard new users and make crypto accessible to all.

5. Global Recognition and Growth

MultiversX is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the top Layer 1 blockchains. By building KikoTheCat on this platform, we’re contributing to its growth while leveraging its technology and reputation.

Our Vision and Goals

At KikoTheCat, we have a clear mission: to become one of the top memecoins in the world while supporting the growth of the MultiversX ecosystem. Here’s how we plan to achieve it:

1. Building a Strong Community

Community is the backbone of any memecoin. We’ll focus on creating a welcoming space for cat lovers, crypto enthusiasts, and everyone in between. Through social media campaigns, giveaways, and fun challenges, we’ll foster a vibrant and engaged community.

2. Transparent Tokenomics

Trust is earned through transparency. Our tokenomics are designed to be fair, with clear allocations and no hidden agendas. We believe in empowering our community by keeping everything open and above board.

3. Bringing Exposure to MultiversX

KikoTheCat isn’t just about our project. It’s about helping the MultiversX ecosystem grow by increasing trading volume and bringing more users to the blockchain.

4. Creating a Global Brand

With the power of memes and the appeal of cats, we’ll build KikoTheCat into a globally recognized brand. From merchandise to partnerships, the possibilities are endless.

Tokenomics: The Foundation of KikoTheCat

KikoTheCat’s tokenomics are designed to ensure sustainability, fairness, and growth. Here’s the breakdown:

Allocation

Percentage

Tokens (out of 7,000,000,000,000)

Team

10%

700,000,000,000

Marketing

10%

700,000,000,000

Private Sale

45%

3,150,000,000,000

Liquidity Listing

35%

2,450,000,000,000

Key Details:

Private Sale Revenue: We aim to raise 50 EGLD through the private sale, all of which will be added to the liquidity pool.

Listing Price: The listing price will be 50% higher than the private sale price to incentivize early participation.

Vesting and Unlocks

Team Tokens: Locked for 10 months, with 10% unlocking each month after the lock-up period.

Marketing Tokens: Available immediately after listing to support airdrops, social media campaigns, and partnerships.

The Roadmap

We have a clear plan to take KikoTheCat to the top:

Phase 1:

Launch social media campaigns.

Build a strong community.

Begin the private sale.

Phase 2:

Token listing and liquidity pool setup.

Execute marketing campaigns.

Collaborate with MultiversX ecosystem projects.

Phase 3:

Introduce new utilities and partnerships.

Expand global recognition through influencers and media.

Conclusion: Join Us on This Journey!

KikoTheCat is more than just a memecoin. It’s a community-driven project built on one of the best blockchain platforms in the world. Whether you’re a cat lover, a crypto enthusiast, or someone who believes in the potential of MultiversX, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey.

Our vision is clear: to bring KikoTheCat to the forefront of the global memecoin movement while shining a spotlight on the incredible capabilities of MultiversX. With a strong community, transparent tokenomics, and a team dedicated to innovation and growth, we’re confident that KikoTheCat will become a force to be reckoned with in the crypto space.

The future is bright, and KikoTheCat is ready to lead the way. Together, we can create something truly extraordinary — a project that not only brings joy and excitement to the crypto world but also helps pave the way for the broader adoption of MultiversX.

So, whether you’re a seasoned investor or someone new to crypto, KikoTheCat welcomes you. Join us as we unleash the power of memes, cats, and blockchain technology to create something unforgettable.

Let’s take KikoTheCat to the moon — or, in true cat style, to the very top of the scratching post of success!

[finxelis]

From Vision to Victory: How Finxelis Fuels the Blockchain Boom

The blockchain space is buzzing, and if you’ve been keeping an eye on the market, you’ve likely felt the heat of its latest shakeups. Big players are making bold moves, venture capital is pouring in, and the promise of a decentralized future is starting to feel less like hype and more like reality. But what’s really driving this shift? Let’s dive into the chaos and clarity of it all, where platforms like Finxelis are quietly shaping how we navigate this wild digital frontier.

Picture this: Crossmint, a name that’s been lighting up the blockchain adoption scene, just pulled in $23.6 million in funding. That’s not pocket change—it’s a war chest aimed at rewiring the global economy, one decentralized thread at a time. Their game plan? Make blockchain so seamless that businesses—big and small—can’t help but jump on board. This cash injection signals something bigger: VCs are betting heavy on infrastructure that bridges the old financial world with the new. And with Crossmint’s knack for simplifying the complex, they’re positioning themselves as the go-to for enterprises ready to dip their toes into the on-chain waters. The market’s buzzing with optimism, but there’s a lingering question—can they deliver on the hype?

Meanwhile, Coinbase isn’t sitting idle. They’ve dropped a new feature that’s got traders and DeFi diehards talking: verified pools. It’s a slick move to shine a light on liquidity, giving users a front-row seat to where the action’s happening. For anyone who’s ever wrestled with slippage or murky price discovery, this is a breath of fresh air. Real-time transparency isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s a tool that could tighten up the whole ecosystem. Coinbase is playing the long game, building trust in a space where skepticism still lingers, and it’s hard not to see this as a power flex in the race to dominate decentralized finance.

So, what ties these moves together? It’s the relentless push toward a blockchain-driven world that’s accessible, transparent, and—dare we say it—mainstream. Crossmint’s expansion is about onboarding the uninitiated, while Coinbase’s verified pools are about keeping the seasoned players in the game with better intel. Both are betting on a future where digital assets aren’t just for the crypto bros but for anyone with a pulse and a wallet. And that’s where the Finxelis platform analysis comes in—it’s a lens into how these shifts ripple through the market, offering traders and investors a way to ride the wave without getting drowned in the noise.

The beauty of this moment is how it’s opening doors. Platforms like Finxelis are thriving in this chaos, serving up tools that make sense of the madness. Whether you’re a newbie eyeballing your first trade or a grizzled vet chasing liquidity, the ecosystem’s evolving to meet you where you stand. Finxelis, with its focus on user-friendly blockchain solutions, fits right into this narrative—less friction, more action. It’s not about forcing adoption; it’s about making the leap feel inevitable.

But let’s not kid ourselves—there’s still risk in the air. The blockchain boom is a high-stakes gamble, and not every player will cash out a winner. Crossmint’s millions could fuel a revolution or fizzle into a costly experiment. Coinbase’s transparency play might tighten markets or just add another layer of complexity. Yet, the momentum’s undeniable. The Finxelis platform analysis underscores this: adoption’s accelerating, and the tools to harness it are sharper than ever.

Where does this leave us? On the edge of something massive. Blockchain’s no longer a fringe dream—it’s a machine grinding toward maturity. Crossmint and Coinbase are just the tip of the spear, and platforms like Finxelis are the backbone keeping it all within reach. Want to see where this ride takes you? Check out https://www.finxelis.com/ and peek into the future of finance, one block at a time.

[amansalve]

Hyperautomation vs. Traditional HRTech: What’s Changing in 2025?

In the rapidly evolving landscape of human resources, Hyperautomation in HRTech is emerging as a transformative force, ushering in the Human+Machine Era 2025. By integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA), hyperautomation is redefining HR operations, enhancing efficiency, and enabling strategic decision-making.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Understanding Hyperautomation in HRTech

Key Applications of Hyperautomation in HR

3.1 Talent Acquisition and Recruitment

3.2 Employee Onboarding

3.3 Payroll and Benefits Administration

3.4 Performance Management

3.5 Employee Engagement and Retention

Benefits of Hyperautomation in HR

Challenges and Considerations

The Future of HRTech: The Human+Machine Era 2025

Conclusion

2. Understanding Hyperautomation in HRTech

Hyperautomation refers to the use of advanced technologies to automate complex business processes, going beyond traditional automation by incorporating AI, ML, and RPA. In the context of HRTech, hyperautomation aims to streamline and enhance various HR functions, from recruitment to employee engagement, by automating repetitive tasks and providing data-driven insights.

3. Key Applications of Hyperautomation in HR

3.1 Talent Acquisition and Recruitment

Hyperautomation transforms the recruitment process by automating candidate sourcing, screening, and selection. AI-powered tools can analyze resumes, match candidates to job descriptions, and even conduct initial assessments, reducing time-to-hire and improving the quality of hires.

3.2 Employee Onboarding

Automated onboarding platforms guide new hires through necessary documentation, training modules, and introductions to company culture, ensuring a seamless integration into the organization. This not only enhances the new employee experience but also reduces administrative burdens on HR teams.

3.3 Payroll and Benefits Administration

By automating payroll processing and benefits management, organizations can minimize errors, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide employees with timely and accurate compensation. This leads to increased trust and satisfaction among the workforce.

3.4 Performance Management

Hyperautomation enables continuous performance monitoring through real-time data collection and analysis. This allows for more objective evaluations, personalized feedback, and the identification of development opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

3.5 Employee Engagement and Retention

Automated surveys, sentiment analysis, and AI-driven engagement platforms help HR professionals gauge employee satisfaction and address concerns proactively. By understanding and acting on employee needs, organizations can improve retention rates and build a more committed workforce.

4. Benefits of Hyperautomation in HR

Increased Efficiency: Automating repetitive tasks frees up HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives.

Enhanced Accuracy: Reducing manual data entry minimizes errors in HR processes.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Access to real-time analytics supports informed strategic planning.

Improved Employee Experience: Streamlined processes lead to higher satisfaction and engagement.

5. Challenges and Considerations

While hyperautomation offers numerous advantages, organizations must address potential challenges such as data privacy concerns, the need for significant upfront investment, and the importance of maintaining a human touch in HR interactions. It's crucial to implement these technologies thoughtfully to ensure they complement rather than replace human judgment.

6. The Future of HRTech: The Human+Machine Era 2025

As we approach 2025, the integration of hyperautomation in HR is expected to deepen, leading to more personalized employee experiences, predictive analytics for workforce planning, and a greater emphasis on strategic HR functions. The Human+Machine Era signifies a collaborative approach where technology enhances human capabilities, resulting in a more agile and responsive HR function.

For More Info: https://hrtechcube.com/hyperautomation-in-hrtech/

Conclusion

Hyperautomation is set to revolutionize HRTech by automating complex processes, providing actionable insights, and enabling HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives. By embracing this transformation, organizations can enhance efficiency, improve employee satisfaction, and stay competitive in the evolving business landscape.

[sokowachi]

STON.fi x Wisdomise: A Breakthrough in Automated DeFi Trading

The world of decentralized finance (DeFi) is constantly evolving, and traders are always looking for better, faster, and smarter ways to execute their strategies. STON.fi, the top decentralized exchange (DEX) on The Open Network (TON), is taking DeFi trading to the next level through its latest integration with Wisdomise.

This partnership brings AI-powered automation, multi-position trading, and intelligent risk management, making DeFi trading more efficient than ever.

A Smarter Approach to DeFi Trading

Manual trading has its challenges—monitoring price movements, executing trades at the right moment, and managing risk require constant attention. The STON.fi x Wisdomise integration simplifies all of this, allowing traders to automate their strategies and trade more effectively.

Key benefits include:

AI-driven automation – Trades execute based on real-time market insights.

Risk management tools – Take Profit and Stop Loss settings help secure profits and limit losses.

Multi-asset trading – Diversify strategies without manually placing multiple trades.

Direct access to STON.fi liquidity – Trade without unnecessary complications.

This integration allows users to spend less time monitoring the market and more time optimizing their strategies.

$10,000 Auto Trader Launch Tournament

To mark this milestone, Wisdomise is launching a tournament where traders can compete for a share of $10,000 in prizes.

The competition rewards top traders based on trading volume, offering USDt prizes and exclusive Wisdomise Pro+ subscriptions.

This is the perfect opportunity for traders to put AI-powered trading to the test while earning rewards.

STON.fi’s Unmatched Growth in the TON Ecosystem

STON.fi’s success speaks for itself. Here’s why it remains the leading DEX on TON:

$5+ billion in total trading volume – The highest among all TON-based DEXs.

4 million+ unique wallets – Covering 81% of all DEX users on TON.

25,800+ daily active users, with 16,000+ making multiple transactions daily.

8,000+ new users onboarded daily – A record-breaking adoption rate.

700+ trading pairs seeing activity every day.

Key trading stats:

$425 million+ monthly trading volume in 2024.

$370 million peak TVL (Total Value Locked).

50-80x growth in trading volume and TVL over the past year.

$5.2 billion+ total trading volume to date.

20 million+ total transactions processed.

STON.fi continues to set the benchmark for liquidity, adoption, and seamless DeFi trading.

The Next Evolution in DeFi Starts Here

The STON.fi x Wisdomise integration redefines how traders interact with DeFi, offering a fully automated and highly efficient trading experience.

With deep liquidity, AI-driven execution, and record-breaking adoption, STON.fi is leading the DeFi revolution on TON.

🔗 Get started with STON.fi and Wisdomise today—trade smarter, trade better!

[dijacrypt]

STON.fi: Redefining DeFi on TON with Unmatched Growth and Innovation

Decentralized finance (DeFi) is rapidly evolving, and the demand for efficient, scalable, and high-performing decentralized exchanges (DEXs) has never been higher. While many platforms struggle to gain traction, STON.fi has emerged as the backbone of DeFi on The Open Network (TON), consistently delivering exceptional trading experiences, deep liquidity, and seamless transactions.

From breaking records in trading volume to integrating with major cross-chain solutions, STON.fi is not just leading the charge on TON—it’s reshaping how decentralized trading works.

STON.fi’s Explosive Growth: The Numbers That Matter

Success in DeFi isn’t just about technology; it’s about adoption, liquidity, and real usage. The growth trajectory of STON.fi is unmatched, setting a new standard for what a DEX can achieve.

📌 Total Trading Volume: Over $5.2 billion, the highest among TON-based DEXs.

📌 Unique Wallets: 4 million+, accounting for 81% of all TON DEX users.

📌 Daily Active Users: 25,800+, with 16,000 users making multiple trades daily.

📌 New Users Per Day: More than 8,000, reflecting the platform’s rapid adoption.

📌 Trading Pairs: 700+ transactions happening every day, ensuring deep liquidity.

These figures are not just milestones; they are a testament to STON.fi’s dominance in the TON ecosystem. The platform’s growth over the past year is nothing short of exceptional, with total trading volume and total value locked (TVL) increasing by 50-80 times.

This kind of expansion isn’t accidental—it’s the result of a well-designed, user-focused DEX that prioritizes efficiency, accessibility, and cross-chain interoperability.

STON.fi’s Unmatched Trading Experience

For any DEX to succeed, speed, cost-efficiency, and liquidity must be at the core of its operations. STON.fi has optimized every aspect of decentralized trading, ensuring that users experience a smooth and rewarding process.

🔹 Instant Transactions

STON.fi eliminates delays. Transactions are processed without congestion, network slowdowns, or unnecessary costs. This allows traders to execute strategies without worrying about failed transactions or high gas fees.

🔹 Low Fees, High Efficiency

High transaction fees are one of the biggest barriers in DeFi adoption. STON.fi keeps costs at a minimum, allowing users to trade seamlessly without hidden charges.

🔹 Deep Liquidity Across Hundreds of Pairs

Access to 700+ trading pairs means users can trade a wide range of assets with minimal slippage. Whether you're executing a small trade or handling a large-volume transaction, STON.fi ensures market stability and competitive pricing.

🔹 Consistent Growth in User Adoption

A DEX’s success is measured by its ability to attract and retain users. STON.fi doesn’t just onboard new traders—it keeps them engaged with a seamless experience, diverse trading options, and expanding integrations.

With new users joining at a record pace of 8,000+ per day, STON.fi is on track to further solidify its dominance in the TON DeFi landscape.

STON.fi Expands Beyond TON: A Major Cross-Chain Breakthrough

In a major step towards cross-chain DeFi interoperability, STON.fi is now integrated into Symbiosis, a decentralized exchange that supports 35+ networks, including both EVM and non-EVM blockchains.

🔹 Why This Matters

The biggest challenge in DeFi today is the lack of seamless movement between different blockchain ecosystems. Most users are restricted by network limitations, making it difficult to transfer and trade assets across chains. STON.fi’s integration with Symbiosis changes this.

🔹 What This Means for TON-Based Assets

Through this integration, TON tokens are now accessible to a wider DeFi audience. Transactions involving TON-based assets will pass through STON.fi’s liquidity pools, significantly boosting trading volume and increasing utility for users.

🔹 A New Era for Cross-Chain DeFi

With interoperability at the core of DeFi’s next phase, STON.fi isn’t just keeping up—it’s leading the way. This integration marks the beginning of more cross-chain expansion, allowing users to leverage TON-based assets across multiple ecosystems.

What’s Next for STON.fi

The momentum doesn’t stop here. STON.fi is continuously evolving, with new developments aimed at strengthening its position as the premier DEX on TON and beyond.

📌 More cross-chain integrations to expand liquidity and accessibility.

📌 Advanced trading features for both beginners and professional traders.

📌 New incentive programs to reward users and liquidity providers.

📌 Strategic partnerships with top DeFi protocols for increased adoption.

STON.fi isn’t just building a stronger DEX—it’s building the future of decentralized trading.

Final Thoughts

The growth, innovation, and market dominance of STON.fi are undeniable. It has already proven to be the go-to DEX on TON, and with its ongoing expansion, it is setting a new benchmark for decentralized exchanges across all networks.

More users, more liquidity, better trading experiences, and unmatched efficiency—this is what defines STON.fi. As DeFi continues to evolve, one thing is certain: STON.fi isn’t following trends—it’s creating them.

[centrally-unplanned]

after your last post about STEM, what do you think about expanding the fields of 1) environmental science and other study of the environment and our interactions with it and 2) urban design and urban planning. Imo both of these should be as big as health sciences and engineering respectively, the only reason they’re not is that people don’t care about our interaction with the environment we need to care about and systemic place-drivers behind inequality, liveable lifestyles, and our ability to actually live sustainably as a species. mostly asking bc these are fields I’ve studied in and there’s very minimal, very introductory education imo compared to how much potential there is for 1) innovation and 2) applied study of ecosystems etc to actually care for said ecosystems

These are classic individual-cart-before-the-structural-horse issues. Does the current US economy (I'm talking about US, this will be unique by country, no commentary on Italy or w/e) lack for environmental scientists? When the EPA makes job postings for inspectors, when Williams & Connolly LLP puts out the call for environmental consultants for pending litigation, when Siemens is drowning in NEPA paperwork for a solar installation and needs to onboard staff, do they lack for candidates? Like fresh-out-of-school candidates, not "30 years of experience litigating environmental impact statements in United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit" candidates? I think the answer is "no" - its a popular major. It has tiers for levels of math skill, it has politics & business subfields, and so on. The system only needs so many of these people to do its job - I actually know about the environmental field from a professional capacity having built a degree in it, and right now we graduate too many in this field if you made me bet (but again not by like a ton, they do fine).

You can't make the system care more via the lever of supply of college majors. We currently empower environmental scientists by X% because that is how much we value the environment as a society. You wanna budge that you gotta convince people, win hearts and minds, initiate political reform, etc.

With urban studies I haven't done this professionally so I am a little less confident, but I think we oversupply that category even more. We have tons of urban planners in the US - we just don't let em do anything! We hire them by the dozens in every city and then suborn them root-and-stem to elected officials and an infinite array of veto points by local councils and lawsuits. Boosting the supply of graduates would do absolutely nothing - in fact its a "flakeout" career as we call it in the industry, the kind of job someone majors in, gets hired in the field, and then leaves after a few years because it turns out to suck for w/e reason. (though again, never dug into the data on this one, so grain of salt on this specific claim. Wider thrust is true).

I think this ties into a general principle I have - the US higher education system is not a lever for social change. In some small ways sure, and for academia oh yeah ofc and I have a ton of ideas on that one. But overall its downstream of wider social forces, and its decently-optimized to cater to the needs of those social forces. You can't squeeze new social goals out of society's certification system.

[chametagency]

How to Become a Chamet Diamond Seller: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a Chamet diamond seller is an excellent opportunity to diversify your earnings and take your Chamet agency to the next level. Diamond selling allows agents to distribute Chamet’s in-app currency, which users purchase to send gifts and make calls. This guide will show you how to qualify, activate this feature, and maximize your potential as a Chamet diamond seller.

What Is Chamet Diamond Selling?

Chamet diamond selling is a feature exclusive to registered agents that allows you to sell diamonds (virtual currency) directly to users. Diamonds are essential for engaging with hostesses on the Chamet platform, as they are spent on private calls and gifts. By becoming a diamond seller, you not only expand your income streams but also play a key role in enhancing the user experience on the app.

Why Become a Chamet Diamond Seller?

Diversify Your Earnings: Add an additional revenue stream to your Chamet agency.

Enhance User Experience: Provide users with easy access to diamonds for gifts and calls.

Leverage Your Network: Your existing hostesses and subagents contribute to higher agency performance, helping you qualify for diamond selling.

Requirements to Become a Chamet Diamond Seller

To qualify as a diamond seller, you must meet the following criteria:

Active Chamet Agent: You must already be a registered Chamet agent.

Agency Ratio: Your Chamet agency must have a minimum commission ratio of 15% or higher, which is achieved by recruiting and managing active hostesses and subagents.

Initial Purchase Requirement: You must purchase 50,000,000 diamonds (equivalent to $8,000) as the first recharge to activate the diamond-selling feature.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Chamet Diamond Seller

1. Register as a Chamet Agent

Visit the Chamet Agency Registration Page to sign up as an agent.

Follow the onboarding process, including setting up your agency dashboard and recruiting hostesses.

Achieve the required agency performance metrics to qualify for diamond selling.

2. Create a Chamet User Account

Download the Chamet app from the Google Play Store or App Store.

Sign up for a user account and retrieve your unique Chamet ID from your profile.

This ID is essential for activating the diamond-selling feature.

3. Activate the Diamond Seller Feature

Log in to the Chamet agency management panel.

Go to the “Diamond Seller” section and link your account by entering your Chamet ID.

Confirm your identity by verifying your phone number or email.

Complete the first purchase of 50,000,000 diamonds to enable diamond-selling privileges.

How Chamet Diamond Sellers Earn

Diamond sellers earn by selling in-app currency to users at competitive rates. Here’s how it works:

Revenue from Sales: Sellers profit from each transaction, with margins determined by the difference between purchase and sale prices.

Increased Agency Activity: Hostesses and subagents who bring in more users requiring diamonds contribute indirectly to your earnings.

Upselling Opportunities: Encourage users to buy larger diamond packages to maximize their spending on hostesses.

Tips for Success as a Chamet Diamond Seller

Build a Strong Network: Recruit high-performing hostesses and subagents to drive demand for diamonds.

Understand User Needs: Identify peak times when users are most likely to buy diamonds and optimize your sales strategies.

Leverage Chamet Events: Promote diamonds during Chamet competitions and events, where users tend to spend more on gifts and calls.

Monitor Your Sales: Use the agency dashboard to track transactions and analyze trends for better decision-making.

Take the Next Step to Boost Your Earnings

Becoming a Chamet diamond seller is an excellent way to enhance your earnings as an agent while contributing to the Chamet platform’s dynamic ecosystem. With the potential to earn significant profits and grow your business, there’s no better time to start.

Ready to begin? Visit the Chamet Agency Registration Page to get started as an agent and work your way to becoming a diamond seller today!

[dive2themellow]

SALLY:: DOSSIER + TIMELINE

NAME: Sally Acorn ALIASES: Sal, Sal-gal, Sally-girl, Princess Sally, etc. SPECIES: Chipmunk AGE: Partner-headcanon dependent ; default is about 22 GENDER: Bigender ("Nonbinary girl" for ease of explanation) PRONOUNS: She/her/hers + he/him/his ; preference for feminine terms like Ms. but also enjoys being called Prince, etc. SEXUALITY: Polyamorous bisexual biromantic ; heavy preference for feminine-presenting folks ALLIANCES: The Freedom Fighters, the Kingdom of Acorn PLACE OF RESIDENCE: Aboard the Freedom Fighters' flying base the Sky Patrol

Sally's lore has been massively reworked so she is game-verse compliant.

My Sally looks like this but I use Post-SGW icons for her.

SALLY ACORN was born in Mobotropolis located on Westside Island as a princess to the House of Acorn. She grew up living a relatively peaceful life as ordained for someone of her status until Eggman tore through Westside Island, destroying not just Mobotropolis but the entire island and its ecosystem to turn it into Chemical Plant Zone.

Sally and her family were displaced to Station Square--her father fell gravely ill and her mother quickly became consumed with looking after him. With her brother staying in Station Square to try and seek the aid of the politicians and continue in his studies as prince and heir apparent, Sally had a suddenly surprising amount of freedom. She and a group of friends she made post-displacement, friends who had also been wronged by the Doctor, came together to form a small resistance group named the Freedom Fighters. They moved out to the woods to form a small base they called Knothole which was kept secret thanks to an array of secret tunnels and entrances, seeking to undermine the Doctor's influence wherever they could. For a time they mostly worked in subterfuge; breaking pipes that he could chalk up to bad maintenance, stealing important mechanical parts, programming small-fry robots to beat up other small-fry robots, etc.

Sally quickly became the team's de facto leader, using her training from her princess studies to guide the group to small victories, although it wasn't until a lucky meeting with Sonic and Tails (circa Sonic 2) that the Fighters were able to come into their own and make real solid progress against the Doctor and even get their first real win.

As time passed Sally and the Freedom Fighters slowly built up their reputation and allies and eventually found operating out of Knothole to be limiting for their abilities to help and save others. Rotor and Tails got together to work on building a sky ship the team could use to travel the planet and ultimately settled on building the Sky Patrol, the culmination of the two geniuses' minds. The Sky Patrol debuted during the Perfect Chaos incident in Station Square (SA1) and the Freedom Fighters have lived onboard it ever since.

Shortly before the events of Forces, Sally was kidnapped and roboticized into Mecha Sally. Mecha Sally made her debut against Sonic in the initial fight in Forces where Infinite shows up and overwhelms him. The combination of Infinite's powers and Sonic wanting to hold back and not hurt Sally proved to be too overwhelming for the hedgehog and ultimately he was defeated in battle and locked away. Sally wasn't de-roboticized until the end of the war and unfortunately remembers everything that happened. *

I'm sure I'll add onto this to add more specifics of the timeline as I figure more of it out!! But at least now I have her info and timeline somewhere for ease of reference.

SALLY is quite serious and determined and can put an extremely high amount of pressure on herself as "leader". He is strategically-oriented in mindset and often good at pushing aside the noise to focus on the big picture, but can sometimes lose track of the things around her in the moment--in contrast to Sonic's live in the moment lifestyle, Sally is all about preparing for the future and bracing yourself for the worst. He is friendly and kind and good at politicking when needed but generally dislikes it, although understands its necessity. Sally prefers to be on the field where the action is and genuinely gets some joy out of fighting and helping people but is also more than aware that next to people like Sonic and Knuckles she is remarkably weak--but is now past the point of beating herself up over it all the time to focus on making up for that so-called weakness with her intellect and social skills. Sally struggles to let go and be 'himself' often and connecting with people when he's not being a 'leader'--to the frustration of her friends.

SALLY'S main verse assumes a romantic relationship with @/spirestar's Sonic and will reference him and their relationship generally speaking; of course this won't apply in other threads with other Sonics or verses.

*There is a spin-off verse where Sally stays roboticized for funsies.